The Winnipeg Jets (15-17-2) face the Utah Mammoth (17-17-3) in a Central Division matchup at Delta Center, where both teams hover around .500 and seek momentum heading into the holiday break. The Jets are mired in a four-game losing streak and have struggled on the road, while the Mammoth have alternated wins and losses recently but show strength at home. This is the first meeting of the season between the former Arizona Coyotes franchise (now rebranded as Mammoth) and the Jets, with implications for the division standings as both clubs battle for playoff positioning in the competitive Central.
Venue Location
The game will be played at Delta Center in Salt Lake City, Utah. This multi-purpose arena, formerly known as Vivint Arena, has a seating capacity of approximately 18,300 for hockey and features modern amenities, including high-definition video boards and premium seating. It’s the home of the Mammoth since their relocation and is known for its enthusiastic crowds and elevation advantage at over 4,200 feet above sea level.
Puck drop is scheduled for 4:00 p.m. MT (6:00 p.m. ET). The game will be broadcast on ESPN+ nationally, with local coverage via SportsNet for Canadian viewers and Bally Sports for Mammoth fans. Streaming options include ESPN+ and NHL.tv, while radio broadcasts are available on the Jets Radio Network (CJOB 680) and KSL Sports Zone for Utah.
Injury ReportThe Jets enter the game relatively healthy, providing a boost amid their recent skid, while the Mammoth are missing key contributors on both ends of the ice.
Winnipeg Jets Injuries:
No players listed on the injury report. The team is fully healthy for the first time in weeks, with Haydn Fleury recently returning from a lower-body issue. This allows for optimal lineup flexibility, particularly on defense.
Utah Mammoth Injuries:
Logan Cooley (C): On injured reserve (undisclosed/lower-body injury) since December 13; expected return in early February. His absence removes a dynamic young forward and impacts secondary scoring.
Olli Maatta (D): On injured reserve (undisclosed); placed December 8, out indefinitely. This weakens the blue line’s veteran presence and penalty-killing unit.
Alexander Kerfoot (F): Recently activated from injured reserve on December 20 after missing time with an undisclosed issue; expected to play, adding depth to the forward group.
Player Matchups to Watch
This inter-division battle features offensive talent against defensive structures, with goaltending likely to be decisive given both teams’ middling goal differentials.
Mark Scheifele (WPG) vs. Nick Schmaltz (UTA): Scheifele, the Jets’ leading scorer, brings vision and finishing (projected anytime goal odds highlight his threat) against Schmaltz’s playmaking on Utah’s top line. This center matchup could control the neutral zone.
Kyle Connor (WPG) vs. Clayton Keller (UTA): Connor’s speed and shot volume test Keller, Utah’s offensive catalyst with a goal and assist in recent wins. Expect high-danger chances in transition.
Connor Hellebuyck (WPG, G) vs. Karel Vejmelka (UTA, G): Hellebuyck, back from a knee injury, faces Vejmelka, who made 27 saves in a recent win. Vejmelka’s consistency (solid in three of last four) vs. Hellebuyck’s rebound potential after losses.
Josh Morrissey (WPG) vs. Utah’s Power Play: Morrissey’s puck-moving anchors the Jets’ blue line against Utah’s struggling PP (15.9%, 27th in NHL).
Dylan Guenther (UTA) vs. Jets’ Penalty Kill: Guenther’s emerging scoring touch targets Winnipeg’s mid-pack PK (80.4%).
Special teams could swing the game, with Utah’s home edge in shorthanded goals (3 allowed, tied for best).
Team Records
Winnipeg Jets: 15-17-2 (32 points), sitting near the bottom of the Central Division.
Utah Mammoth: 17-17-3 (37 points), mid-pack in the Central Division.
Recent Team Forms
The Jets are struggling, while the Mammoth have shown resilience with three wins in their last five.
Winnipeg Jets (Last 5 Games): Averaging 2.6 goals scored and 3.0 allowed, the Jets are on a four-game skid after a win. Form: L-L-L-W-L.
| Date | Opponent | Result |
| Dec 19 | @ Colorado | L 2-3 |
| Dec 17 | @ St. Louis | L 0-1 |
| Dec 15 | vs. Ottawa | L 2-3 (OT) |
| Dec 13 | vs. Washington | W 5-1 |
| Dec 11 | vs. Boston | L 3-6 |
Utah Mammoth (Last 5 Games): Averaging 3.4 goals scored and 2.8 allowed, showing offensive pop in wins. Form: L-W-L-W-W.
| Date | Opponent | Result |
| Dec 19 | vs. New Jersey | L 1-2 |
| Dec 17 | @ Detroit | W 4-1 |
| Dec 16 | @ Boston | L 1-4 |
| Dec 14 | @ Pittsburgh | W 5-4 (OT) |
| Dec 12 | vs. Seattle | W 5-3 |
Series History
In their brief history since Utah’s relocation and rebranding, the series is closely contested with five total games. Utah holds a 3-2-0 edge (60% win rate), including a current two-game winning streak against Winnipeg. The Jets are 2-3-0 all-time with a -1 goal differential. At Delta Center, Utah is 2-1-0 vs. the Jets. Recent games have trended under the total (3-2), with an average of 5.4 combined goals. Winnipeg dominated earlier matchups (12-3 SU in last 15 including pre-relocation history vs. Arizona), but Utah has flipped the script lately.
Betting Trends
Winnipeg is 1-6 SU in its last seven games and 0-5 SU in its last five on the road, but 12-3 SU in its last 15 against Utah (including pre-relocation). The Jets have lost their last nine road games outright. Utah is 3-2 in its last five overall and has hit the over in 19 of 37 games this season. The under is 3-2 in the series history, and Winnipeg games have gone under in 60% of road contests. Mammoth home games average 5.9 combined goals, aligning with the total.
Game Odds
Winnipeg Jets 5.5
Utah Mammoth – 122
NHL Game Preview: Winnipeg Jets (15-17-2) vs. Utah Mammoth (17-17-3)Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Saturday, December 20, 2025
